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DVD-R at Bono's

1. DVD-R is our only DVD format. 

Please do not ask for other variations of DVD or CD.

We do not record:

  • DVD-RAM
  • DVD+R
  • DVD-RW
  • DVD-ROM
  • DVD-Audio
  • CD-ROM
  • CDV
  • CD-G
  • CD-RW,
  • CD-R
  • CD+R
  • Photo CD
  • SVCD
  • MV-Disc

To view a chart of your film transfer choices click on the diagram below.

To view a chart of your tape transfer choices click on the diagram below.

2. The responsibility for ensuring compatibility rests with the user or client; therefore, please check your manufacturer’s manual and/or compatibility lists for guidance. There are no refunds for DVD-Rs created here that do not work in your player. Our discs will be QC-ed (checked for quality and playability) in two different players at our facility. 
3. Given that the DVD-R may not play in your current DVD player, we do not advise mastering to your DVD-R alone. Film-to-tape transfers can be mastered to: mini DV, DV Cam, DVC Pro, Digital Betacam, or Beta SP. We would urge making either VHS dubs or DVD-Rs from the videotape master. The only exception would be for clients, primarily students, who will be “dumping” the data directly into an AVID or into a program such as Final Cut Pro or Adobe Premiere. Please know your input formats. We cannot advise you from a distance.

4. What is the definition of a video master?

The “master” is the particular video format from which viewing copies can be made. Your original material, whether film or video, is transferred (duplicated to) the chosen master format. A master is a video format above the quality level of VHS. Here at Bono’s we master to: mini DV, Digital Betacam, Beta SP, or DV CAM. The client does not necessarily need to own the machinery for the master because more copies can be made from the master at a professional facility such as Bono’s. In the archival world, the master is often called an “intermediate.”

We do NOT master to VHS. No exceptions.

 5. Why don’t you recommend mastering to DVD directly?

The DVD standard is still evolving. Although the material itself may last for many years, you can anticipate that the technology will change radically. Therefore, the longevity of your current DVD player, cannot be determined. Check the DVD Forum site if you want to understand the current discussions underway that will affect the changes in the technology. (The analogy to Betamax and 8-track is appropriate, from our standpoint.).

Also, one of the advantages of the DVD format is the ability to designate chapter points so you can access (jump to) various defined sections of your program. As we do not know the content of your material, we cannot provide chapter titles for you. Your DVD-R will be a straight linear transfer of your original material.

Given the changes that are still occurring in the DVD standard we do not recommend mastering to DVD-R alone.  Therefore we do not master to DVD-R.

6. Why won’t you master to VHS?

VHS is a consumer level tape. The machines are generally not maintained well and have been known to “eat” tapes. This format has a low resolution compared to the other video formats available. Any video copies made from the VHS format will be poorer in quality. 
7. What is the definition of a “viewing” copy?
A viewing copy is generally considered one that can be played in a machine that you have readily available. In the home, the machine would be the VHS machine and increasingly, the DVD player.

8. Can you transfer my home videotapes to DVD-R?

Yes. We can transfer to DVD-R from any format machine that we have, including: Digital Betacam, Beta SP, mini DV, DVC Pro, DVCam, ¾-inch, 1-inch, ½-inch open reel, VHS, SVHS, Betacam, Hi-8, Betamax. Additional charges will apply for the high-end professional formats and the obsolete formats.

9. Will the sound from the videotapes be included?      Yes.

10. Where can I go to find out whether my DVD player can play DVD-R?

Start by checking the manual of your DVD Player or going to the manufacturer’s website. The following compatibility lists also might help; however, we make no claims as to the accuracy of the information. At present, there is still no universally accepted definition of what “compatible” means in the DVD world. The lists that exist are based user reports. There will be no refunds for discs that do not play in your player even if they appear on any compatibility list or manufacturer’s specifications.

http://www.vcdhelp.com/dvdplayers.php
 
11. What might I expect to pay for DVD-R services?

If you are sending us film, whether Super 8 or Regular 8mm home movies, 16mm or 35mm, you will first need to have the film transferred to the videotape of your choice. Please visit  the film-to-tape section for film to videotape master transfers.  

If you are sending us videotapes or you are having us transfer your film to tape, the costs for the DVD-R production are listed below. The different prices correspond to the runtimes of the material.

Tape-to-DVD-R:
 60 minute DVD-R   $32.78 (minimum charge)
 90 minute DVD-R   $35.86
120-minute DVD-R  $39.36

$6.50 per disc label - printed directly onto the disc. Please specify information that you would like displayed on the label.

These additional charges may apply (per transfer session)
Beta SP machine charge  $10
Digital Betacam machine charge  $20
Obsolete Betamax and 3/4-inch formats: $25 per three tapes.
Obsolete video format charges vary for 1-inch and 1/2-inch open reel,  please contact us.
Obsolete video inspection, repair and baking services are available
See Film-to-tape section and Tape-to-tape sections for related pricing.